2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Miami Dolphins trade back again
By Dakota Cox
2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0
28. Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
This free agency period, the Ravens added pieces to the offensive line. They also added depth on defense and signed Sammy Watkins. As a whole, they have made smart decisions to help retool the roster and fix some needs.
However, they still need to add a young receiver. Sammy Watkins is a nice addition, but they can’t be done with this position. The group was weak last year, and you have to give Lamar Jackson weapons that fit his skill set as he develops.
The Ravens have RAC guys and speed, but Jackson needs someone he can trust to make the contested catch. Watkins fills that need, but they should also draft a receiver to add youth to the equation. That’s why Rashod Bateman makes sense.
Bateman is faster than some give him credit for, but he can make contested catches over the middle. That is a big piece of Baltimore’s offense, and it is what they have been lacking since Lamar Jackson took over. In almost every 2021 NFL mock draft, you will see the Ravens take a receiver. In this one, Bateman is the best option that falls to them. They can add a lineman in the later rounds and add depth on defense, but this is a great fit and value for the Ravens.